The Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Method

I thought of posting some dog training tips as that is one of my hobbies and, in currently owning 5 Canines, something I do quite a bit of. Firstly, though, I shall introduce the method I use – so that there’s not a lack of understanding.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
Dogs are entirely reinforcement-based animals. They are also extremely social, and instinctively require a response from other members of their pack, be that human or canine.
The positive reinforcement method of dog training is not new, and looks at rewarding required behaviours instead of the more common method of ‘disciplining’ dogs. Don’t get me wrong – there is a time and a place for discipline in dog training, but it cannot be confused with punishment. Unlike the human status some people put on dogs, they really are not like human children that can understand when an ‘owner’ comes home to a mess and smacks them for it. Rather, they are creatures very much understanding cause and effect, a principle used very often in positive reinforcement. This method of training also focuses on the most important aspect of a well-behaved and willing dog – its relationship with its owner. Loyalty is the key here, and should not be confused with an unhealthy, out of balance pack order where the dog is unobviously the leader over it’s human. This happens far too many times, and is the biggest cause of dog behavioral problems. (An out-of-balance pack order)
So, back to PR. This type of reinforcement is pretty much based around owners rewarding their dogs for behaviours asked of them, or even unexpected desirable ones. PR is given in many ways – body language, tone of voice, actual rewards such as treats or toys, and anything that the dog considers pleasant. Although this may seem like a lot of effort, if a dog is not conditioned by an owner and rewarded by them, they will find their own methods of being rewarded – such as the thrill of chasing livestock.
I have drawn my own conclusions in the various methods of dog training and use mainly PR, for the reasons listed above. It also creates a very special bond between dog and owner, where trust, not fear, is the thing that holds them together.
One example of PR is at a dog show. Although there are various dogs trained in various ways, it is undeniably those with positive owners that are actually enjoying their time. Note in the photo below, the intense attention of the dog on its master as it is being rewarded. PR is also the most commonly used method of training with all of the world’s best-trained defence and sniffer dogs. Images taken by my awesome Pentax X70 camera.. about 1 year ago.